Examples:
Yesterday I was at a health evaluation for a driver’s license. Everything went well with my physical health, but at questioning, my autism was bought up. I was accused of needing help with learning in primary school (despite of my grades, that were usually B (I know, I’m lazy)) and now I need a psychological evaluation.
When I started high school, most professors infantalized me, but later stopped after I proved myself (ok, some didn’t stop, like the slovene teacher and the sport teacher/coach).
When I meet someone new, they always think I am intelectually disabled, before proving otherwise…
Why is this happening?
Speaking from my own experiences… (i’m diagnosed with autism and high-IQ)
People seem to read vulnerabilities they cant really place as general mental fucked upness. For example, I struggle when two people talk to me at the same time, or ask me several questions at once. Have a couple of these incidents happen and some people start treating me as if I’m missing a chromosome. I think when people are dealing with something thy know little about, some would rather fill the blanks with ignorance and stereotypes. You could invite them to learn more, but also… meh, their loss.
People who are familiar with autism, or being overloaded on info… they often automatically slow down, ask about my challenges, ect.
I’ve learned some tricks to demand respect though, you can’t expect everyone to be sensible. I have an elaborate vocabulaire, and though I prefer to talk informal, sometimes talking slightly more formal than the person in front of you can keep them on their toes.
Another direction, I also like to deploy, is to just play the dumdum they think I am. It means less expectations, less bullshit. And honestly, nothing is more satisfying when halfway trough the year they find out you know the source material better than they do.
Another thing that has really worked for me is to surround myself with people who are eager to get to know me as an individual. In time this has also helped me grow the confidence to convince or even demand other people to understand how I work even if it originally isn’t there priority.
Hope his helps
Well you officially have high iq, so society automatically asociates you with smart people. I think, I am slightly above average in iq, but as I haven’t been oficially tested, I’m still usually considered average, until I’m considered a retard or a genious (both exaggerated, but partialy true).
not everyone I meet sees my medical profile, lol.
And even then they are happy to question it. Sure every now and then I mention it, bubt 9/10 I don’t. And for the longest time I’ve been diagnosed.
Finding a way to carry yourself that works for you really can make a difference.